Class Descriptions

At yogaview we believe that yoga is an extremely personal and individual endeavor. We have gathered together some of the most experienced and non-dogmatic teachers in the area to offer ongoing classes that will improve your life by reducing stress and making you more healthy and more centered. The style of our classes is primarily vinyasa, which indicates a blend of alignment-based yoga combined with creative sequencing and an emphasis on moving in synch with the breath. While all our classes are great and most of our instructors are similar in many ways, you will naturally resonate with some classes and approaches more than others. For this reason we encourage you to try different classes at different times to find the ones that suit you. All of our teachers encourage you to modify your practice to suit your needs on any given day to the best of your ability and we will do our best to help with this understanding. Below, please find descriptions for the various levels of classes. Finding the right class level will greatly enhance your experience. Feel free to ask our teachers and staff for help in finding classes that work for your needs.

Level 1: taught by our most experienced instructors, yogaview’s level 1 classes focus on the basics of good alignment, breathing techniques (pranayama), and work to help students realize a strong foundation in yoga to help make one’s approach to life more effective, fun and less stressful. These classes are ideal for the beginner or for anyone who enjoys working on the fundamental aspects of the practice.

All Levels: these classes continue to develop the foundational poses while accommodating a broader range of experience levels. Sequencing moves at a slightly faster pace than our level 1 classes. Some prior yoga experience and familiarity with basic poses is recommended.

All Levels- yoga/somatics: This class is part Hatha yoga, part Somatics. Somatics, developed by Thomas Hanna in the 1970's, releases the subconscious patterns of contraction in the body. You will be guided through small, controlled movements (often practiced lying on the floor) and will be encouraged to slow down, focus inward, and do less. This practice calms the nervous system and creates space and ease both in the body and in the mind.

Level 2: these classes will assume some working knowledge of the basic poses. There will be more of an emphasis on the flow of the class and in linking the various positions. As with all of our classes, students are encouraged to work at his or her own pace. There is more of an expectation in these classes that students will know how to do this.

Level 2-3: these are challenging classes, which require experience and work at a level somewhere between our level 2 and level 3 classes.

Level 3: classes are geared towards teachers and experienced practitioners. Poses can be held longer or moved into and out of more quickly. Inverted poses, arm balances and more advanced back bends will likely be explored. Students are expected to know when to back off and when to push forward in these classes.

Introduction to Yoga: Ideal for the complete beginner - a four week course which runs every month. Registration available on-line.

Ashtanga: The method of yoga taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. This form of inter-linking yoga postures accompanied by deep breathing creates a purifying internal heat, realigning the body and calming the mind.

Ashtanga Led Primary: During the led classes, the students are guided in unison through the postures of the primary series sequence, and provided with options of how to do particular poses that may prove challenging. Full primary led classes are suggested for all students to attend to reinforce the proper practice of the various vinyasas.

Mysore Style: This style is modeled after the ashtanga yoga classes in Mysore, India taught by it's primary teacher the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Mysore class provides an opportunity for students of all levels to develop a “self practice,” which is an integral part of the ashtanga system. Students work independently on the particular series of postures that is most appropriate for them. The teacher assists, adjusts and may quietly discuss particular difficulties or concerns with individual students during class. Students may enter at any time during the scheduled class and begin their practice. These classes are open to All Levels and no prior experience is required. No class offered on new moon and full moon days. Visit this online calendar for a full listing of new moon and full moon days.

Gentle: Gentle yoga is suited for those desiring or in need of a slower more gentle approach to the yoga practice. It is appropriate for all levels of capability and experience.

Restorative: A restorative practice is an important component of your weekly practice as it greatly restores and keeps your body and mind calm. There are a variety of asanas each with specific benefits and energetic qualities. Generally most restorative asanas relieve stress by taking the practitioner into a deep state of relaxation. Restorative asana also stimulates and soothes the internal organs, calms the central nervous system so it deactivates the "flight or flight" and improves concentration. It's a great addition to a beginner or seasoned practitioner and will leave you feeling calm and grounded.

Yin: “Yin” refers to still, quiet poses as opposed to active, high octane poses. Yin Yoga uses seated & reclining poses with long passive holds to allow gravity to do the work. The sensations you feel will be deep in the connective tissues and the joints, rather than the muscles.

Kids: A fun way to explore yoga poses for children ages 4-8.

Prenatal: This class is designed for expectant moms in all stages of their pregnancy. Experience relaxing yet challenging poses suitable for students of all levels. Students will learn key poses intended to help alleviate common aches and pains associated with pregnancy like back pain, leg cramps, and sciatica. Simple breathing techniques that are beneficial throughout the entire pregnancy are also taught in this helpful class.

Baby and Me: This class focuses on strengthening the bond between parent and child. Using interactive, slow-moving postures, this class is also a wonderful way to connect with other new parents, and to help mom's body recover from birth and the strains of carrying and caring for a newborn. We'll practice yoga poses geared towards rebuilding strength and flexibility, while also playing with our babies. Appropriate for parents and not yet crawling infants 5 weeks and older, the class is not overly strenuous, but we recommend getting your doctor or midwife's approval prior to practicing yoga postpartum. Please bring one receiving blanket for each child to class. Latecomers are always welcome!! *Please be aware there are stairs if you plan on bringing a stroller*

Wisdom is knowing I am nothing,
Love is knowing I am everything,
and between the two my life moves.